WHY I LOVE KC: “Our cocktail scene is open-minded, never full of itself … hospitality is the opposite of attitude.”

FOR THE CUTTING EDGE: “There are lots of adventurous wine, beer and cocktail programs in KC. If I’m looking for interesting beers, I might find myself at Charlie Hooper’s. And I’m never surprised to get some deliciously surprising (as in thought-provoking) cocktails at restaurants like Extra Virgin, Bluestem or Justus Drugstore.”

FAVORITE COLLABORATOR: “I’ve been working lately with Chef Debbie Gold, just like in the old days, and it’s been a gas, whether working on matching wine and food, or crafting cocktails to go along with her great cuisine.”

JENN TOSATTO

FUN FACT: Bar manager at The Rieger and recently named the city's best bartender by KC Magazine.

MIXED WITH MUSIC: “The Kill Devil Club has great cocktails centered on rum and a beautiful bar that is just the place to cut a rug to some amazing music.”

NEW ON THE SCENE: “Newly opened in the Waldo area, Remedy Food + Drink is quickly becoming one of my favorites.”

MADE TO ORDER: “The bartenders at Grünauer are amazing. I love their ability to ask a few questions and make you just the cocktail you were looking for, even if you didn’t know it.”

TRIED & TRUE: “Town Topic has been around forever it seems. Serving up great burgers and breakfast 24 hours a day. Mama is always there to mix you up a killer milkshake, and the Truckstop Omelet is a must-have, especially late-night.”

WHY I LOVE KC: The closeness and kindness. The KC service industry tends to be very close. We hang out together, we eat and drink together. We help each other. It makes for a very tight knit community that has no problem recommending other venues for people to check out. I love telling people at my bar that they should also check out here and here and here, knowing that my friends behind the bar there will take good care of them.